Palm Coast man found guilty of 24 felony sex crimes including rape of a child

A Flagler County jury has found Palm Coast resident Paul Dykes guilty of 24 felonies including rape of a child, possession of child pornography and working in concert with a co-defendent to rape a child. He faces a mandatory life sentence.

The jury, composed of six women, deliberated for just 18 minutes before returning their verdict in the two-day trial, according to a news release from the State Attorney's Office.

“In 37 years of being involved in the criminal justice system, this is one of the most reprehensible cases I have ever seen,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said following the verdicts. “The sickening and horrific facts of this case are beyond comprehension. Our hope and wish is that our child victim will be free to live safely and securely in a protected environment.”

Dykes, now 21, was arrested when he was 18 alongside co-defendent Erin Vickers, now 23, who was at the time 20. Vickers was convicted in September of capital sexual battery and promoting sexual performance by a child.

Assistant State Attorney Jason Lewis and Assistant State Attorney Joseph LeDonne prosecuted the case, which was presided over by Circuit Judge Dennis Craig.